Villagers in Mendua Salem Pur Face Severe Power Shortages Despite New Transformer; Cite Fundamental Rights
Kaushambi (U.P.) — Residents of Mendua Salem Pur village (Post Kanaili) in Kaushambi district say they have been enduring low voltage and erratic electricity supply for several days, despite repeated complaints to the electricity department.
Villagers allege that officials, including a local employee Rambabu and the Junior Engineer, have been negligent. According to them, while Rambabu — himself a resident of the village — ensures his own sector gets proper power supply, the remaining parts of the village continue to face low voltage and frequent outages.
Although a new transformer was recently installed after the old one burnt out, residents report that four days have passed without restoration of regular power. This prolonged disruption has triggered a drinking water crisis as submersible pumps cannot operate on low voltage.
Villagers argue that such negligence not only damages the reputation of the power department but also undermines the development policies of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which emphasise reliable infrastructure in rural areas.
Fundamental Rights Cited
Local residents are now invoking their Fundamental Rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the “right to life” — interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to live with dignity and access to basic amenities such as safe water and electricity.
In landmark cases such as Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985) and later judgments, the Supreme Court held that the right to life is not confined to mere animal existence but includes access to basic necessities. In A.P. Pollution Control Board II vs. Prof. M.V. Nayudu (2001), the Court also underlined that clean drinking water is part of Article 21 rights.
Legal experts point out that although electricity is a state subject, courts have repeatedly ruled that denial of essential utilities without justification can amount to a violation of constitutional rights, and citizens may approach the High Court under Article 226 for immediate relief.
Call for Action
Villagers have demanded a transparent inquiry and a permanent solution to their electricity and water problems. “Despite installing a new transformer, supply has not been restored. This is a violation of our basic rights,” said one resident.
They are urging district authorities to intervene so that Mendua Salem Pur residents can enjoy uninterrupted access to power and drinking water — essential for life and dignity.
